The Interprofessional Agro-Food Organization of Pork, known as Interporc, brings together Spanish pork producers, processors, and distributors. It is preparing to join the official delegation led by Spain’s prime minister on a trip to China next week. The mission aims to strengthen commercial and economic ties between the two nations, a priority in light of recent developments. Beijing opened an inquiry into European pork products last June in response to the European Union’s tariffs on electric vehicles manufactured in China. The goal is to reassure markets and expand collaboration across sectors, maintaining steady flows of trade even as broader tariff disagreements unfold.
Spain stands as the leading exporter of pork meat and pork products to China, shipping a total of 560,488 tons valued at 1,223 million euros in 2023. These figures indicate that roughly one-fifth of Spain’s pork exports by volume, specifically 20.33%, went to the Chinese market last year. In value terms, that share reached about 13.7% of the total pork export value. Spain supplies about 20.95% of China’s total pork imports. Through May this year, exports totaled 261,100 tons, worth 427.3 million euros, dating from the start of January.
The aim of the delegation is to deepen the partnership between both countries, said Manuel García, president of Interporc, who will be accompanied by Alberto Herranz, the general director, and Daniel de Miguel, the head of the international division. The official meeting will take place in Shanghai on September 10. After an opening session, several roundtables will address business relationships between China and Spain. The discussions will explore opportunities in key sectors such as the green transition, industrial cooperation, and collaboration in third markets.
García also noted that the long-standing relationship between Chinese and Spanish pork sectors has evolved toward a model of mutual collaboration and benefit. Notably, products highly valued by Chinese consumers, such as ham and sausages, remain excluded from any potential retaliatory measures announced in June, preserving access for these beloved items.
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The move by China follows the European Union’s decision to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports after an October inquiry examined whether subsidies in China create an unfair competitive edge for Chinese manufacturers. The response underscores how trade tensions can ripple through agricultural markets as countries recalibrate their tariff policies in response to broader strategic disputes. In this context, Spain’s pork sector emphasizes sustained cooperation and the potential for shared growth despite geopolitics that intermittently affect pricing and demand.
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